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The Basilica of The Holy Rosary

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Popularly referred to as “Bandel Church” is a Catholic shrine in the state of West Bengal known as “The Basilica of the Holy Rosary”. This church constructed by the Portuguese is located in small city called Bandel in the Hooghly district. This church was constructed in the year 1599 and was devoted to “Nossa Senhora do Rosario” i.e. Our Lady of Rosary. In addition, this church is also a part of the “Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kolkata”. Furthermore, the Portuguese built catholic shrine is considered to be one of the “most popular historical churches” in the state as well in the country.

The best time to visit this temple is from October to February during the winter when the climate is extremely pleasant with the temperature ranging from a maximum of 23 degree Celsius to a minimum of 12 degree Celsius.

b. How to reach The Basilica of the Holy Rosary

The Basilica of The Holy Rosary Map

1. By train:

The nearest station to this church is located in the city of Bandel. The Bandel Railway Station is well connected to major cities in the country.

2. By road:

If you intend to drive to this church then the ideal starting points would be Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Patna, and Kolkata.

Via Bhubaneswar:

There is one route from Bhubaneswar to the church, and it is via NH16.

Via Cuttack:

There is one route from Cuttack to the church, and it is via NH16.

Via Puri:

There is one route from Puri to the church, and it is via NH16.

Via Patna:

There is one route from Patna to the church, and it is via NH19.

Via Kolkata:

There is one route from Kolkata to the church, and it is via NH19.

3. By air:

The nearest airport to this church is located in Kolkata. The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is well connected to major cities in the country as well as to international destinations.

c. Religious significance of The Basilica of Holy Rosary

It was during the end of the 15th century that the Portuguese began using the city of Bandel as a port. So as the Portuguese began to settle down in this city priests began to convert many of the locales into Catholics. It was then in 1579 that a man called Captain Pedro Tavares secured permission from the then ruler Emperor Akbar to preach Christianity and erect churches in the city of Bandel. In response, the Emperor granted permission and by 1599 (with the population of Catholics in the city having dramatically increased) this church popularly known as “Bandel Church” was eventually constructed.